Resealable bag for filling with food product (s) and method

ABSTRACT

A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patentParent application Ser. No. 09/431,732 filed on Nov. 1, 1999 whichapplication is now pending and not abandoned, and commonly owned by theassignee hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field ofreclosable bags and more specifically to reclosable bags that use orincorporate tamper evident, hermetic seal, and reclosable fastenerassemblies or mechanisms of the slider or zipper type. The presentinvention is particularly concerned with a reclosable bag that may befilled with a food product at a factory or food processing plant andthen sealed to protect the food product until such time as a customerpurchases the reclosable bag and opens it to access the food productwithin.

[0003] Reclosable, typically flexible, containers are well known in theart. Such containers normally comprise a bag-like structure made from afolded web of material, like thermoplastic film. These types ofcontainers may also include reclosable zipper structures, as well asinterlocking male and female zipper elements fused, extruded, orattached to the bag sidewalls.

[0004] Alternatively, the reclosable zipper structures, mechanisms, orassemblies may also be identified as slider closure systems, i.e., aclosure system for slider bags and form, fill and seal technology thatcontain two tracks that can be interlocked and a separate part (aslider) that rides on the tracks and is used to open and/or close thetracks. The bag-like structure is created when the thermoplastic film isfolded, sealed, and severed along its exposed edges.

[0005] Reclosable bags are a great convenience to the consumer. This isespecially true where the food product or material contained within thebag is of a type that may not all be consumed at once, for example,shredded cheese, sliced cheese, cheese, processed cheese, deli meats,snack foods, vegetables, fruits, sweets, etc. A problem with these typesof bags is achieving a design in which the food product is hermeticallysealed against oxygen, atmospheric intrusion or transmission, bacteria,molds, and/or other sources of contamination, while also providingfeatures that help to disclose to the consumer evidence of tamperingwithout substantially interfering with the ease of use of the bag.

[0006] In addressing this problem it is also desired to achieve a designthat is easy to manufacture and may be used in combination with knowntypes of packaging machinery that use form, fill, and seal technologysuch as Horizontal Form Fill and Seal (HFFS) machines or Vertical FormFill and Seal (VFFS) machines. It is also desired to achieve a designthat may optionally be used in combination with Horizontal Flow Wrapper(HFW) machines; e.g., J-WRAP machines presently available from JonesAutomation Company, Inc. of Beloit, Wis.

[0007] Tamper evident packaging may also require the use of severalpieces of film, which must then be connected to each other. This canmake manufacturing of the reclosable bag more complicated.

[0008] It is one of the objectives of the present invention to provide areclosable bag that may be manufactured using known packaging machinery.As previously, noted, such known machinery includes HFFS machines, VFFSmachines, and HFW machines. Additionally, as will be apparent to aperson of skill in the art after reading the present disclosurecontained herein thermoform type machines like the one disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,240,241 could also be used to practice the present inventiondisclosed herein, after appropriate modification as the disclosureherein will make apparent.

[0009] It is also an objective to perform the manufacturing task usingonly one piece of parent film in combination with a reclosable zipperassembly.

[0010] Further, it is an objective of the invention to provide themanufacturer with the option of including some or all the features oftamper resistance or evidence, hermetic seal, and ease of use in thereclosable bag that is produced.

[0011] Another objective, especially with slider or zipper typestructures or sliding type zippers or fasteners is ease of use. While asliding type zipper structure is itself relatively easy to use, the bagstructures include sidewalls or fin portions that extend up past thesliding type zipper structure. This interferes with the consumer'saccess to the food, makes it difficult to see the zipper structure, andalso makes it more difficult to easily operate the zipper mechanism.This is especially true if the person opening and closing the bag isdisabled, has arthritis, or another aliment, which limits the manualdexterity of that person.

[0012] Additionally, increased ease of access to the food product is anobjective because the larger the zipper structure and its associatedelements the smaller the opening left to the consumer to access the foodproduct.

[0013] The present invention is believed to address these and otherobjectives by the unique and simple structures and methods disclosedherein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention may generally be described as a reclosablebag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bagincludes at least one sheet of web material. The sheet of web materialhas at least two areas of structural weakness and at least one foldstructure located between and defined by the two areas of structuralweakness. The reclosable bag includes an opening located generallyopposite the fold structure. (Please note that fold structure as used inthe specification and claims herein is to be interpreted as broadly aspossible and should include not only structures that are a fold but alsoany structure that has the same or similar characteristics to a foldeven though said structure may be formed by non-folding means or methodssuch as the result of joining or fusing the edges of two or more sheetsof film.) In addition, the reclosable bag includes a sliding fastenerstructure having a skirt structure of web material extending therefromand located within the fold structure. The skirt structure or skirtmaterial may be either integral to the slider fastener structure or itmay be coupled, e.g., sealed or adhered, to the slider fastenerstructure. The skirt structure includes a distal margin that is coupledto the sheet of web material at a location between the areas ofstructural weakness and the opening. The web material of the reclosablefastener structure extending past the areas of structural weakness sothat the reclosable fastener structure is located within the foldstructure. The reclosable bag is capable of being filled with at leastone food product through the opening.

[0015] The reclosable bag structure of the present invention mayoptionally include other features. For example, but not by way oflimitation, the skirt may include an outside surface and an insidesurface. The distal margin is located on the outside surface. The insidesurface may include a predetermined area having a releasable adhesivematerial. This allows for the option of having a peelable seal, whichmay be used to aid in making the reclosable bag initially hermetic andmay also add another reclosable/resealable feature to the bag. (Pleasenote that the terms reclosable, resealable, and releasable, in additionto their normal meaning, are used herein, interchangeably, to describe aclosed or sealed opening that may be re-opened at a predetermined timeto aid in providing access to at least a portion of the contents of thebag, and then closed or sealed to allow the remaining contents to bestored in the bag for later use and/or provide evidence of tampering.)

[0016] Additionally, and more typically, the web material of thereclosable bag is substantially comprised of a predetermined portion ofa roll of a parent film material. The predetermined portion havingpredetermined dimensions from which a reclosable bag of predetermineddimensions may be constructed. The parent film material may bemanufactured to a specification which determines the shape and locationof the areas of structural weakness and which makes the areas ofstructural weakness an integral part of the parent film. Presently, itis believed to be commercially preferred to do so. Alternatively, theareas of structural weakness could be applied to the parent film at apredetermined step of the construction or manufacturing process of theresealable bag.

[0017] Further, the areas of structural weakness may extendintermittently, continuously, and linearly, nonlinearly, or in someother predetermined pattern across a predetermined dimension of thesheet of web material. The predetermined dimension where the area ofstructural weakness is located may be either the length or the width ofthe reclosable bag, which is usually rectangular in shape, depending onwhether or not it is desired to use the long edge or side of the bag orthe short edge or side of the bag with the slider closure system. Use ofthe long edge of the bag provides for a larger opening and thus enhancesthe ease of access to the food material or other materials containedwithin the reclosable bag.

[0018] The term structural weakness is generally used to describe thatarea of the reclosable bag that is intentionally designed to be easilytorn by the consumer to provide for evidence of tampering and to allowfor easy exposure of the zipper mechanism or assembly. Nonetheless, itshould be understood that use of the term structural weakness shouldinclude, without limiting its meaning, structures such as perforation,scores, microperforations, and multiple laminate materials which includea layer having an area of material or materials which are specificallydesigned to be easily torn. Accordingly, it should be understood thatthe areas of structural weakness are intentionally designed to create apredetermined tear path, which may or may not be hermetic.

[0019] Also, opening of the bag may be facilitated by the application ofa tear strip (e.g., tear tape or tear string) along a predeterminedsurface or surfaces of the parent film. The tear strip may or may not beused in combination with a predetermined area of structural weakness.

[0020] Alternatively, the present invention may be described as areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product and comprisingat least one sheet of a web material. The sheet of web material includesa first area of structural weakness and a second area of structuralweakness. (Alternatively, the areas of structural weakness may be tearareas or areas having a propensity to tear in a predetermineddirection.) The sheet of web material including at least one foldstructure, located between and defined by the first and second areas ofstructural weakness, and a fill opening. The sheet of web materialfurther comprising a first panel coupled to the fold structure at thefirst area of structural weakness and a second panel coupled to the foldstructure at the second area of structural weakness. A reclosablefastener structure including a male track structure and a female trackstructure. The male track structure including a first fin structure ofweb material extending therefrom and the female track structureincluding a second fin structure of web material extending therefrom.Each fin structure including a predetermined coupling portion. Thecoupling portion of the first fin structure being coupled to the firstpanel and the coupling portion of the second fin structure being coupledto the second panel. (please note that the seal, when it is formed, maybe adjacent or near but should not be on the area of structuralweakness). The reclosable fastener structure extending past the areas ofstructural weakness and into the fold structure. The areas of structuralweakness being located below the reclosable fastener structure. Thealternative reclosable bags are also capable of being filled with atleast one food product through the fill opening, which is subsequentlysealed.

[0021] The present invention allows the fold structure to be easilyremoved from the reclosable bag. More importantly the present inventionallows the consumer to substantially expose the reclosable fastenerstructure so that it is easily accessible and the consumer does not haveto be impeded by bag sidewalls or bag fin portions that extend up pastthe zipper structure. Finally, the present invention accomplishes thisusing but not limited to substantially one piece of film material.

[0022] Alternatively, the present invention may be described as areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. Thereclosable bag may include at least one sheet of web material, at leastone tear tape structure, at least one fold structure, and an openinglocated generally opposite the fold structure. A reclosable fastenerstructure including at least one integral skirt structure of skirt webmaterial extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure including atleast one distal margin. The distal margin being coupled to the webmaterial at, at least one location between the tear tape structure andthe opening. The reclosable fastener structure extending past the teartape structure and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capableof being filled with at least one food product.

[0023] Additionally, the reclosable bag for filling with at least onefood product, may also be described as a reclosable bag including atleast one sheet of web material having at least one fold structurepresenting at least two sidewall structures having inside surfaces, andan opening located generally opposite the fold structure. A reclosablefastener structure including an integral skirt structure comprising aweb material extending therefrom and including opposed distal marginstructures. The web material of the integral skirt structure beingsealed to the inside surfaces of the sidewall structures at a pluralityof predetermined sealing areas. The reclosable bag may also include abarrier web material extending between and coupled to the distal marginstructures.

[0024] The barrier web material of the alternative bag may alternativelyextend between and be coupled to the sidewall structures. Alternatively,the barrier web material may also be coupled to predetermined sealingareas by at least one peelable seal. Alternatively, the barrier webmaterial may include at least one area of structural weakness thatextends through it along a direction generally parallel to thepredetermined sealing areas.

[0025] Alternatively, the reclosable bag for filling with at least onefood product of the present invention may include at least one sheet ofweb material having at least one predetermined tear area, at least onefold structure, and an opening located generally opposite the foldstructure. A reclosable fastener structure including at least oneintegral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. Theintegral skirt structure including at least one distal margin. Thedistal margin being coupled to the web material at, at least onelocation between the tear area and the opening. The reclosable fastenerstructure extending past the tear area and into the fold structure. Thereclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product.

[0026] This alternative reclosable bag structure may further include atleast one piece of a header material located in a predetermined area ofthe fold structure. The header material may include at least one edgestructure adjacent the tear area. The reclosable bag of this alternativestructure may further include at least one tear tape structure coupledto the web material and adjacent to the tear area.

[0027] Alternatively, the present invention may be described as areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. Thereclosable bag may include at least one sheet of web material, at leastone tear tape structure, at least one fold structure, and an opening. Areclosable fastener structure including at least one integral skirtstructure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirtstructure including at least one distal margin. The distal margin beingcoupled to the web material at, at least one location between the teartape structure and the opening. The reclosable fastener structureextending past the tear tape structure and around and over the foldstructure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least onefood product.

[0028] Additionally, the reclosable bag for filling with at least onefood product, may also be described as a reclosable bag including atleast one sheet of web material having at least one fold structure, andan opening. A reclosable fastener structure including an integral skirtstructure comprising a web material extending therefrom and includingopposed distal margin structures. The web material of the integral skirtstructure being sealed to the outside surfaces of the sidewallstructures at a plurality of predetermined sealing areas. The insidesurface of the reclosable bag may also include a predetermined areahaving a releasable adhesive material. This allows for the option ofhaving a peelable seal, which may be used to aid in making the baginitially hermetic and may also add another reclosable/resealablefeature to the bag.

[0029] Additionally, the present invention may be described as a methodof construction using known form-fill-and-seal machinery including butnot limited to HFFS, VFFS, and HFW machines. The steps of the method ofconstruction include 1. Folding the sheet of web material along apredetermined folding area located between the areas of structuralweakness to form the fold structure. 2. Inserting the reclosablefastener into the fold structure. 3. Coupling the distal margin of theintegral skirt structure to the web material. 4. Sealing the webmaterial along at least two predetermined linear areas located generallyperpendicular to the fold structure. 5. Filling the reclosable bag withat least one food product through an opening. 6. Sealing the opening.Please note that in an HFW application it is presently believed that thestep four should occur last.

[0030] The method may also include a step of inserting either a teartape or a tear string at least prior to step four. Further, a headerstrip could also be introduced prior to step four.

[0031] Alternatively, the web material may be slit along the fold lineand the reclosable fastener assembly inserted and sealed to result in anexposed zipper structure assembly at one end of the bag.

[0032] Also, alternatively, if the reclosable bag is designed to have agusset opposite the zipper opening then the fill opening may be sealedand the bag may be filled with product through the zipper opening.

[0033] Alternatively, the process and structure of the present inventioncould include a reclosable fastener assembly having two skirts or flapsof web material. The first skirt could be coupled or sealed to theparent film prior to folding the parent film. (Additionally, the firstskirt could be tack or partially sealed prior to folding and thensubsequently a full seal applied in the HFFS, VFFS, or HFW machine.)After folding the parent film the second skirt or flap would be sealedto the film sidewall located opposite the sidewall to which the firstskirt is sealed or coupled. Construction of the bag could then becompleted as disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a predetermined portion of parentfilm comprising a sheet of web material including at least two areas ofstructural weakness.

[0035]FIG. 2 is an edge elevational view of a portion of the sheet ofweb material of FIG. 1 and shows the location of the areas of structuralweakness.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the fold structure of areclosable bag of the present invention showing the position of theslider or zipper structure in the fold structure relative to thepredetermined position of the areas of structural weakness.

[0037]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0038]FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0039]FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an alternative to the firstembodiment of the present invention disclosing sealed track mass 23 b.

[0040]FIG. 7 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0041]FIG. 8 is a view taken from line 8--8 of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0042]FIG. 9 is an alternative to the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 8.

[0043]FIG. 10 is another alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0044]FIG. 11 is an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10wherein a peal seal tape with a releasable adhesive located on one sideof the tape is used.

[0045]FIG. 12 is a view from line 12-12 of FIG. 11, the header material15 that is shown, along with other structures, is optional.

[0046]FIG. 13 is another alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

[0047]FIG. 14 is a front plan view of another alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0048]FIG. 15 is a view taken from line 15--15 of FIG. 14.

[0049]FIG. 16 is an alternative to the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 15.

[0050]FIG. 17 is another alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

[0051]FIG. 18 is another alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

[0052]FIG. 19 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0053]FIG. 20 is a view from line 20--20 of FIG. 19.

[0054]FIG. 21 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating various features of the invention including diecutting of the track mass of the zipper assembly and the use of a tearstructure like a tear tape or a tear string.

[0055]FIG. 22 is a view from line 22--22 of FIG. 21.

[0056]FIG. 23 is a view of an alternative to the embodiment shown inFIG. 22 wherein tear tape is applied to both the inside and outsidesurface of the bag.

[0057]FIG. 24 is a cut-away view of an alternative to the embodimentshown in FIG. 22 wherein the tear tape includes a tear bead.

[0058]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 24.

[0059]FIG. 26 is a cut-away view of a predetermined portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 24 illustrating the tear tape and tear bead'srelationship to the film and the area of structural weakness created asa result of the presence of the tear bead.

[0060]FIG. 27 is an alternative embodiment to the structure disclosed inFIG. 22.

[0061]FIG. 28 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention illustrating various features of the invention including theuse of an optional header strip and the use of an optional opening toassist in removal of the hood and exposure of the zipper assembly.

[0062]FIG. 29 is a view from line 29--29 of FIG. 28.

[0063]FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the components of anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention being fed into a machinesuitable for adaptation to perform the process and make at least one ofthe products disclosed herein before the plow structure of the machine.

[0064]FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing the components of anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention being fed into a machinesuitable for adaptation to perform the process and make at least one ofthe products disclosed herein before the plow structure of the machine.

[0065]FIG. 32 is a schematic top plan view illustrating at least onemethod by which the components of the alternative embodiment disclosedin FIG. 30 are introduced prior to the plow mechanism of the form filland seal machine.

[0066]FIG. 33 is a schematic top plan view illustrating at least onemethod by which the components of the alternative embodiment disclosedin FIG. 31 are introduced prior to the plow mechanism of the form filland seal machine.

[0067]FIG. 34 is a perspective view generally showing the generalrelationship of the components for making the various embodimentsdisclosed herein. Specifically, the embodiment having the peel seal tapeis disclosed although after review of this disclosure it will beapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art how the machinery maybe modified to produce the various embodiments disclosed, described, andclaimed herein.

[0068]FIG. 35 is side elevational schematic view illustrating the stepsof construction of the alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 30subsequent to folding the parent film on the plow structure.

[0069]FIG. 36 is side elevational schematic view illustrating the stepsof construction of the alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 31subsequent to folding the parent film on the plow structure.

[0070]FIG. 37 is an alternative embodiment of the present inventionillustrating various features of the invention including the use of tearstring and a diamond shaped opening as opposed to a circular opening forassisting in the removal of the hood and exposing the zipper assembly.

[0071]FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing the components of anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention being fed into a machinesuitable for adaptation to perform the process and make the productdisclosed herein, wherein either a tear string or the zipper assemblyare introduced to the parent film after the plow.

[0072]FIG. 39 is a side elevational schematic view illustrating thesteps of construction of the alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 38wherein the tear string or slider or zipper assembly is introduced afterthe plow structure.

[0073]FIG. 40 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0074]FIG. 40a is a front plan view of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 40, but showing a peel seal area.

[0075]FIG. 41 is a view taken from line 41 - 41 of FIG. 40a and showingthe reclosable fastener structure extending over the fold structure andpeel seal.

[0076]FIG. 41a is an enlarged view of the structure shown in FIG. 41 andshowing the position of the slider or zipper structure over the foldstructure relative to the predetermined position of the areas ofstructured weakness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physicalembodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may beembodied in other specific structures or methods. While the preferredembodiment has been described, the details may be changed withoutdeparting from the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0078] The present invention is both a method and a structure resultingfrom the method. The present invention generally relates to reclosableplastic bags 100 and, more particularly, to a reclosable plastic bags100 having a slider or zipper assembly 20, which cooperates with atamper-evident feature. The tamper-evident feature may also be ahermetic seal feature. The method of the present invention, while uniqueand fully described herein, may be used on known machinery such as, byway of illustration and not by way of limitation, the rpm 100 packagingmachine manufactured by Klockner Packaging Machinery of Sarasota, Fla.,U.S.A. The modifications necessary to the machinery used to practice thepresent invention will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in theart after reading this disclosure. Reclosable plastic bags using variouszippers and sealing mechanisms are well known. However, the advantagesof the present invention are believed not to be apparent from the knownzippers and sealing mechanism of the prior art. The zipper assembly 20typically includes a zipper structure 20 a and an integral skirt 16. Inthe present invention, the skirt 16 is bonded to the parent film 10 at apredetermined seal location 14. See FIG. 3.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the method and structure of the presentinvention may begin to be generally described. Referring to FIG. 1 apredetermined portion of the parent film 10 is illustrated. The parentfilm 10, at predetermined locations, is structurally weakened, e.g., bythe use of presently known laser scoring technology.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, an elevational edge view of the parent film10 including the score lines 12 may be seen. The weakened area 12 mayalso be imperforate and hermetic. The weakened areas 12 define anintegral tear off portion or fold structure 11.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, the film 10 is folded over, as shown, toform the fold structure 11 and a zipper assembly 20 is inserted.Weakened areas 12 are preferably positioned below the zipper structure20 a so that when fold structure or hood 11 is removed the zipperstructure 20 a is exposed sufficiently above the resulting finstructures 19 to allow the user access to the zipper structure 20 a.Zipper skirts 16 are shown bonded to the film 10. However, it ispresently believed preferable, prior to insertion of the zipper assembly20, that the uncut ends 23 (see FIG. 5) of each zipper assembly 20 bepunched out or cut to form a radiused notch 22 a, as shown in FIG. 7.The cut zipper assembly ends 22 are sealed together (the sealed mass 22b of FIG. 7) which will later function to retain the contents of the bag100 such as food.

[0082] Referring back to FIG. 3, the skirt(s) 16 remain intact so thatthe zipper assembly 20 is kept continuous for ease of handling. Onceinserted the skirt(s) 16 of the zipper assembly 20 is bonded to theinside surface 10 a of the parent film 10 at seal location(s) 14.

[0083] Next sides 30 and 32 are sealed, along margin 10 c illustrated inFIG. 5 or 7, using a known mechanism such as a heat-sealing bar of aform fill and seal machine by advancing the folded film 10 to the heatsealing bar portion of the machine used; creating a seal 30 a across thelength and width of margin 10 c. The resulting bag 100 is then filledwith a predetermined foodstuff or other desired material through theopening 33 located, opposite the zipper assembly 20, at bottom edge 34shown in FIG. 5 or 7. Then bottom edge 34 is subsequently sealed,forming seal 34 a.

[0084] This results in the zipper assembly 20 being hermetically sealedwithin the tear off portion 11. Tear off portion 11 is integral to theparent film 10. Integral tear off portion 11 may be easily removed bytearing along the score lines 12, leaving the zipper structure 20 afully exposed and easily accessible for the use desired.

[0085] The above noted process and mechanism may also be performed sothat the zipper assembly 20 is located along one of the long sides 30 or32 of the bag 100 rather than the short side of the rectangle, which isdefined by the bag 100.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of the present invention1 is illustrated. As may be seen from FIG. 5 two bags 100 are shownprior to their being separated along seam 101. This embodiment includesscore lines 12 laid out in an alternative pattern that includes curve orarcuate section 13 and tear notch 24. As further disclosed in FIG. 7 theparent film 10 is sealed at section 26 to either its opposing sides 35and 36 or the structure of the zipper assembly 20. The tear notch 24provides a starting point for removing the fold structure 11, which islocated above the zipper assembly 20. The fold structure 11 beingdefined by the location of the score lines 12. The score lines 12extending along curve 13 to a predetermined area below the zipperassembly 20 for substantially the entire width of the reclosable bag 100facilitating removal of the hood or fold structure 11 and exposure ofthe zipper structure 20 a. The embodiment of FIG. 5 further including ahermetic seal 40.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of the embodimentof FIG. 7 may be seen. In particular, the integral skirt 16, usuallycomprised of two strips on pieces of plastic film or a one-piece unit ofcontinuous film, may be seen to have its outside surface 19 sealedhermetically to the inside surfaces 36 a and 35 a at respective hermeticseals 40 a and 40. Additionally, a peelable seal 50 is located at thebottom of the skirt 16. Any standard commercially known resealableadhesive 51 may be used to make the peel seal 50. The peel seal 50 mayalso be a hermetic seal 40 b.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 9 an alternative to the embodiment of FIG.8 is shown. In this embodiment the zipper skirt 16 is heat sealed to theside panels 36 and 35 respectively of the parent film 10. The insidesurfaces 17 of the zipper skirt 16 are peelable sealed to one another,using a known releasable adhesive 51, to provide a releasable hermeticor gas tight seal 50 therebetween. It should be noted that the term'sresealable adhesive or releasable adhesive as used herein should beconstrued interchangeably as well as given their common meaning.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 10 another alternative embodiment of FIG. 8is shown. In this embodiment the parent film 10 is sealed along apredetermined portion 42 of inside surface 35 a and 36 a. A knownreleasable adhesive 51 is used to form a peelable seal 50 between insidesurfaces 35 a and 36 a at predetermined portion 42. U.S. Pat. No.4,944,409 contains an example of such an adhesive. Presently, CUREXbrand grade 4482-0, supplied by Curwood of Oshkosh, Wis. is consideredan acceptable adhesive for use with this embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 another alternative embodimentis illustrated wherein the peelable seal 50 is comprised of a peel sealtape 53 having a permanent sealant like a metallocene catalyzedpolyethylene located on one side and a releasable seal material like theaforesaid CUREX brand material on the other side (side 54).

[0091] One possible method for achieving the structure of FIGS. 11 and12 is the use of a form fill and seal machine system in which the peelseal tape 53 would be tacked onto a predetermined location of the parentfilm 10 prior to the plow 200. (See FIGS. 31, 33, and 34 for a generalillustration of the location of the plow 200 in relationship to theother components of a form fill and seal machine. Please note withreference to FIG. 33 that it is presently believed preferable for heatsealer bar 208 to be enlarged sufficiently so that in addition tosealing the tear tape 120 is place it also seals the permanent seal sideof the peal seal tape 53 in place at the same time. Accordingly, whileone sealer bar 208 is believed preferable for these separate functionsmultiple bars could be used, each having a dedicated function or acombination of functions). After the plow 200 the peelable sealant side54 would be sealed to the parent film 10 by heat sealer bars 55. Use ofsealer bars 208 and 55 as disclosed herein allows independenttemperatures and pressures to be used for each seal and it is believedthat more consistent peel seals will result.

[0092] Additionally, the zipper skirt 16 may be sealed in placesubsequent to the plow 200 by sealer bar 56 and the header seal 206 amay be made by sealer bar 57 as illustrated generally in FIGS. 34 and36.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 13 another alternative embodiment of FIG.10 is shown. In this embodiment, the zipper skirt 16 includes anelongated section 16 a. End 21 of elongated section 16 a is positionedbetween the inside surfaces 36 a and 35 a of the side panels 36 and 35of the parent film 10. The elongated section 16 a is heat sealed to theparent film 10 on inside surface 35 a and peelable sealed using a knownreleasable adhesive 51 to inside surface 36 a to form peel seal 50.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 14 a third embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed. Again, two bags 100 are shown prior to theirbeing separated along seam 101. The invention of the third embodiment iscomprised of parent film 10, which is used to form the bag 100 that isto be filled. The bag 100 includes a first side seal 30, a second sideseal 32, and a fill opening 33. Side panel 35 forms the front side ofthe bag 100. The fill opening 33, after the bag 100 is formed and filledwith a predetermined type of food material, is heat sealed to formbottom edge or seal 34. The bag 100 further includes a fold structure11, header 15, integral zipper skirt 16, a zipper assembly 20 includinga zipper structure 20 a, at least one hermetic seal 40, an unsealed area60, and a section 62 where the zipper skirt 16 and the ends 23 of thezipper assembly 20 are heat sealed together (see sealed mass 23 b inFIG. 14) prior to their insertion between the front side 35 and the backside 36 of the film 10. This forms sealed mass 23 b. The formation ofsealed mass 23 b may take place at sealer 216, which is illustrated inFIG. 30.

[0095] Sealing zipper skirt(s) 16 to the parent film 10 forms thehermetic or gas tight seal 40. The zipper skirts 16 may have apredetermined portion or portions that extend past seal 40 and which maybe held together with a peel seal 50. See for example, FIG. 15.

[0096] Since, within the unsealed area 60, the side panels 35 and 36 arenot attached to the zipper assembly 20, the hood structure 11 (which maybe defined by the score lines 12) may be easily removed to expose zipperstructure 20 a. The sealed mass 23 b provides for containment of productwhen the peelable seal 50 is opened.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 15 a view from line 15--15 of FIG. 14 may beseen. This may be seen to be identical to the embodiment of FIG. 8,except as explained above with reference to FIG. 14.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 16 an alternative structure to the oneshown in FIG. 15 may be seen. In this alternative, the zipper skirt 16is made of one piece of material. It is heat sealed to the insidesurfaces 35 a and 36 a to form hermetic seals 40 and 40 a. The skirt 16is provided with a structural weakness 45 which extends linearly andgenerally parallel to hermetic seals 40 and 40 a along the zipper skirt16. The structural weakness 45 is designed to fracture or tearrelatively easily when the customer opens the bag 100.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 17, an alternative to the embodiment shownin FIG. 16 may be seen. In this embodiment the zipper skirt 16 includesa barrier film section 16 b. The barrier film 16 b is applied(preferably by heat sealing although other methods could be used, e.g.,Adhesive coupling, ultrasonic or high frequency sealing technology) tothe inside surface 16 d of the zipper skirt 16. The zipper skirt 16 isheat sealed along a predetermined portion of its outside surface 16 e toparent film 10 to form a hermetic seal 40. The barrier film section 16 bis releasably sealed to the inside surface 16 d to form at least onepeel type seal 50. Note that it is presently believed that section 16 bmust have a surface 16 c that is resistant to heat sealing.

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 18 an alternative to the embodiment shownin FIG. 17 may be seen. In this embodiment barrier film section 16 b isheat sealed to a separate predetermined portion of the inside surfaces35 a and 36 a of the parent film 10. To form two additional hermeticseals 40 located below the hermetic seals 40 of the zipper skirt 16. Thebarrier film 16 b is provided with a structural weakness at 45 whichextends linearly and generally parallel to hermetic seals 40. Thestructural weakness is designed to fracture or tear relatively easilywhen the customer opens the bag 100.

[0101] Alternatively, the structure of FIG. 17 could be provided with astructural weakness 45 as described with reference to FIG. 18. In such acase peel seal 50 would be replaced with a permanent seal.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, header strip 206, located betweenthe front side 35 and back side 36 of the parent film material 10, of apredetermined size have sufficient width to extend down to, preferablyjust above, a tear line 132 (area of structural weakness). The headerstrip 206 terminates at edge(s) 131. This tear line 132 has thepredetermined propensity to tear in predetermined way. The extension ofthe header strip material 206 extends down so that it is adjacent to thetear line 132. This facilitates tearing off the hood structure 11 fromthe bag 100 along the tear line 132. The optional tear notch 134facilitates initiation of the tear, the tear line 132 (the orientedparent film 10 or film 10 with the propensity to tear) directs the tear,and the header material 206, which is bonded or sealed to the front side35 and back side 36 of the parent film 10, controls the tear so that thezipper structure 20 a is consistently clear of the parent film material10 after the removal of the hood structure 11.

[0103] Alternatively, if the header material 206 is made of an orientedpolypropylene having at least one side with a heat sealable sealant thenthe parent film 10 would not need to be oriented or have the tear line132 or propensity to tear. Presently, it is believed preferable that ifthe header material 206 is made of an oriented polypropylene then theoriented polypropylene should have both its sides coated with a heatsealable sealant. Also, alternatively, a plurality of header strips 206could be used instead of a single integral header strip 206. In eithercase, the parent film 10 would not necessarily need to be oriented orhave a tear line 132 or a propensity to tear.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, at least one but preferably twopieces of tear tape 120, located between the front side 35 and back side36 of the parent film material 10 on film surfaces 35 a and 36 a, of apredetermined size are bonded or sealed to the parent film 10 of thehood structure 11 adjacent, preferably just above, a tear line 132 (areaof structural weakness). This tear line 132 has the predeterminedpropensity to tear in predetermined way. The tear tape material 120adjacent the tear line 132 facilitates tearing off the hood structure 11from the bag 100 along the tear line 132 in a controlled manner. Theoptional tear notch 134 facilitates initiation of the tear, the tearline 132 (the oriented parent film or film with the propensity to tear)directs the tear, and the tear tape 120, which is bonded or sealed tothe front side 35 and back side 36 of the parent film 10, controls thetear so that the zipper structure 20 a is consistently clear of theparent film material 10 after the removal of the hood structure 11.Alternatively, if the tear tape material 120 is made of an orientedpolypropylene having at least one side with a heat sealable sealant thenthe parent film 10 would not necessarily need to be oriented or have thetear line 132 or propensity to tear.

[0105] With respect to facilitating removal of hood or fold 11 it shouldbe understood that instead of score lines 12 the parent film 10 may beweakened in predetermined areas using other procedures as well,including but not limited to scoring or the use of multi-ply laminatefilm having a predetermined weakened area or the addition of a tearassistance structure, e.g., Tear tape 120 or tear string 120 a. The tearassistance structure may be added for use by itself or in conjunctionwith a predetermined area of structural weakness 12 to aid in thetearing of the film 10. See FIGS. 28 and 29.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 23 another alternative to the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 22 is disclosed. In this embodiment tear tape 120 isapplied to both the inside surfaces 36 a and 35 a and the outsidesurfaces 36 and 35 of the bag 100. In this embodiment no score line orweakening 132 is believed necessary (although such an area of structuralweakness could be used) since the tear tape 120 located on both theinside and outside surfaces of the bag 100 will act as an effective tearguide.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 another alternative to theembodiment shown in FIG. 22 is illustrated. In this embodiment amodified tear tape 120 b having a tear bead 120 c is used.

[0108] As FIGS. 24-26 illustrate, when the film 10 is sealed to the teartape 120 b the bead 120 c is depressed into the film 10 creating an areaof structural weakness 12 without requiring prescoring or othermodification of the parent film 10 prior to the application of the teartape 120 b. This structure is believed beneficial because the tear tape120 b is always in alignment with the area of structural weakness 12.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 27 another alternative to the embodimentdisclosed in FIG. 22 is disclosed. In this embodiment tear tape 120 isapplied to both the inside surfaces 36 a and 35 a and the outsidesurfaces 36 and 35 of the bag 100. The tear tape 120 is applied toborder both sides of the score line or weakening 132. Since the teartape 120 is located on both sides of the score line 132 and on theinside and outside surfaces of the bag 100 a very consistent controlledor guided will be achieved.

[0110] Tear tape 120 is interchangeable with tear string 120 a.Accordingly, a tear string 120 a could be substituted for the tear tape120. See, e.g., FIGS. 38 and 39. Preferably, the tear tape 120 or thetear string 120 a used is made from a material, e.g., Thermoplasticmaterial, that is compatible with the film 10 and which may be sealed,coupled, or bonded to the film 10. For example, the tear tape 120 ortear string 120 a may be formed of polyethylene or may be encased inpolyethylene. It is understood in the art that a tear string, such astear string 120 a, may have various cross-sectional shapes, e.g., Round,square, triangular, etc., which may be used to enhance its ability totear the parent film material 10.

[0111] In particular, referring to FIGS. 30, 32, and 35, the process bywhich the alternative embodiment having tear tape 120 is presentlybelieved to be manufacturable is illustrated using an rpm 100 machine.The parent film 10 is fed over a predetermined number of rollers andtoward the plow structure 200. The parent film 10 after passing overdancer roller 203 a is die punched by die 210 to present parallelopenings 121. It is presently believed that the film 10 must pass overthe dancer rollers 203 a so that they are kept sufficiently taught thusallowing openings 121 to be punched out accurately at predeterminedpositions, by die 210, such that the positions of the openings 121 arealways at the same or a uniform distance from each other. In addition tothe parent film 10 two rolls of tear tape 120 are feed over the parentfilm 10 and in parallel alignment with the parallel openings 121 suchthat the tear tape 120 preferably, but not necessarily, bisects each theparallel opening 121. Tear string 120 a could be substituted for teartape 120. See, e.g., FIGS. 38 and 39.

[0112] In addition, referring back to FIGS. 30, 32, and 35, optionally aheader material 206 may be fed over the parent film 10. Further, thezipper or slider assembly 20 is also fed over the parent film 10. Priorto being fed over the parent film 10 the zipper assembly 20 has a notch22 a die punched, by die 214 and heat sealed by sealer 216, at apredetermined position that is also designed to be in general alignmentwith the parallel openings 121. Once the tear tape 120 is presented overthe parent film 10 but before it is passed over the plow 200 it passesover a tear tape sealer mechanism 208 so that the tear tape 120 issealed to the parent film 10. Alternatively, the tear tape 120 could betacked in place and subsequently sealed to the parent film 10 eitherbefore or after the plow 200.

[0113] The parallel openings 121 may be of any shape although circularis the shape that is presently preferred. Diamond shaped cuts could beused to further enhance initiation of the tear in the parent film 10.See FIG. 37.

[0114] Additionally, the notch 22 a as generally illustrated herein maybe of an arcuate or radiused shape but the notch 22 a could also be madeat a sharp angle such as a 90° angle. See FIG. 37. The sharper angle ispresently believed to add more stress to the structure of the zipperassembly 20 and therefore a radiused structure is presently consideredto be preferred. However, the present invention should not beinterpreted as being limited to solely a radiused notch 22 a asgenerally illustrated herein.

[0115] After the parent film 10 is folded the remaining manufacturingprocess is carried out as generally illustrated in FIG. 35. The zipperskirts 16 are sealed to the respective sides of the parent film 10 atseal 14. The header strip 206, if used, is sealed to the parent film 10at seal 206 a. The side seal 30 a is made, which also seals theperimeter or edge 121 a of opening 121. (note, if no tear tape 120 ortear string 120 a is used then it is presently considered best to add atear notch 24 to the opening 121 to facilitate removal of the hood 11.)An opening 123 is die punched in the package 100 to provide a pointwhere the package 100 may be easily hung for display purposes. Thepackage 100 is then cut along seam 101 from the V-fold portion of theform fill and seal machine and transferred to the fill and seal stationswhere fill opening 33 is opened and the package 100 is filled and gas isflushed through the fill opening 33. Opening 33 is then hermeticallysealed at seal 34 a.

[0116] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 the zipperassembly 20 may be introduced subsequent to the plow structure 200. Theparent film 10, prior to being fed over the rollers 202 is still diepunched by die 210 to present parallel openings 121. Also,alternatively, the tear tape 120 or tear string 120 a may be feed overthe parent film 10 and in parallel alignment with the parallel openings121 subsequent to the plow 200. See FIGS. 38 and 39. Again, the teartape 120 or tear string 120 a preferably, but not necessarily, bisectseach parallel opening 121. Also, while FIG. 39 shows both the tearstring 120 a and skirts 16 of the zipper assembly 20 being introduced tothe parent film 10 subsequent to the plow 200 and respectively sealed bysealer bars 208 and 209 it should be understood that either the tearstring 120 a or the zipper assembly 20 could be introduced before theplow 200. For example, the zipper assembly 20 could be introduced afterthe plow 200 and the tear string 120 a prior to the plow 200. Since teartape 120 is interchangeable with the tear string 120 a it will beapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art reading thisdisclosure that the tear tape 120 could also be introduced after theplow 200 and used in essentially the same manner as the tear string 120a.

[0117] The openings 121 are provided, at a minimum, to facilitate accessto the tear tape 120 or the tear string 120 a and to facilitate tearingand removal of the hood 11 to expose the zipper assembly 20.

[0118] Additionally, the present invention may be used in combinationwith other VFFS and HFFS machines. The present invention could also beused with HFW machines. However, in using either VFFS machines or HFFSmachines the method of the present invention is presently believed torequire post-compression (commonly called post-squashing) of apredetermined portion of the track structures 20 b, with respect to theembodiment shown in FIG. 6. (sometimes also referred to as track mass 20b, herein) of the slider closure assembly 20 located within a margin orline 10 b of the parent film 10 where a seal 30 a, especially a hermeticseal, is desired. Alternatively, the track mass 20 b may have apre-compressed portion located with margin lob. Neither pre-compressionnor post-compression are believed to be required where a notch, e.g., 22a of FIG. 7, has been punched out or cut from the zipper assembly 20.However, if pre-compression is desired then this is accomplished in thepresent invention at sealer 216 shown in FIG. 30. This is so that when,on either a HFFS or VFFS machine, the track mass 20 b (with the slideror zipper structure 20 a avoided) passes through the package side sealzone portion of either the machine a consistent hermetic seal 30 a isproduced by the application of the heater bars of the machine used. Aswill be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from thisdisclosure, if a notch, e.g., notch 22 a of FIG. 7, is cut from thezipper assembly 20 then there is no structure or mass for sealer 216 topre-compress and sealer 216 will then only provide seal 22 b of the cutend 22, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0119] In applications using HFW machines for the manufacture of theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, such as Jones Automation Company machines,it is not believed necessary to pre-compress, post-compress, or squash apredetermined portion of the track mass 20 b. HFW machines have a rotaryjaw assembly, which includes a hinged side. The jaw assembly provides atleast two advantages, either of which, separately or in combination,eliminates the need for pre-compression of the track mass 20 b. First,the jaw assembly provides a relatively long time, longer than the timeprovided by either VFFS or HFFS machines, for the application of heatand pressure sufficient to form the desired seal 30 a. Second, theportion of the track mass 20 b that is targeted to be fused or sealed(generally located within the boundary of margin 10 b) is placed or fedinto the jaw assembly so that it is placed toward and near the hingedportion of the jaw assembly and thus maximum mechanical advantage andforce may be applied to the predetermined portion of the track mass 20b.

[0120] If either the longer seal time or the mechanical advantage of thejaw assembly of the HFW machine was not available then, referring toFIG. 6, since there is generally insufficient room on an HFW machine topre-compress the track mass 20 b, the track mass 20 b may be pre-punchedwith a die at the predetermined location 22 a (where the seal 30 a isalso to be applied or created) prior to insertion into the fold 11 ofthe parent film 10. Since the pre-punched area or notch 22 a would besynchronized to be in registration with the portion of the folded parentfilm 10 that is to be sealed, less energy (time, temperature, and/orpressure), due to the reduced mass to be sealed is required toconsistently obtain the type of seal 30 a desired. (note, pre-punchingrather than pre-compression could also be used with HFFS or VFFSmachines.)

[0121] Referring now to FIGS. 40, 40a, 41 and 41 a, an alternateembodiment of the present invention may be seen. The film 10 is foldedover, as shown, to form the fold structure 11, and a zipper assembly 20is positioned over the fold structure 11. Weakened areas 12 arepreferably positioned below the zipper structure 20 a, so that when thezipper structure 20 a is in the open position the fold structure 11 andits weakened areas 12 are exposed to allow the user access to the foldstructure 11. Seen particularly in FIG. 41, the overlaying zipper skirt16, of the alternate embodiment may be viewed. Zipper skirt 16 isusually comprised of two strips of pieces of plastic film or a one-pieceunit of continuous film, and is seen to have its inside surfaces 17sealed hermetically to the outside surfaces 35 b, 36 b of the film 10 atrespective hermetic seals 40 c, 40 d. The fold structure 11 ispreferably designed to act as an imperforate hermetic barrier to protectthe contents of bag 100. Tearing the fold structure 11 allows the useraccess to the contents and also provides visual evidence that thehermetic seal is broken. Seen particularly in FIGS. 40a and 41, theinside surfaces 35 a, 36 a of the parent film 10 may also be peelablysealed to one another, using a known releasable adhesive 51, to providea releasable hermetic or gas tight seal 50 therebetween. The seal 50 islocated adjacent, perferably just below, the weakened areas 12.

[0122] As best seen in FIGS. 40 and 40a, two bags 100 are shown prior totheir being separated along seam 101. The alternate embodiment seen inthese views is comprised of parent film 10, which is used to form thebag 100 to be filled. The bag 100 further includes a header 15, and apeg hole 15 a, seen in this embodiment at the end opposite the fold 11.It is presently believed preferable, after the folding and sealing ofparent film 10 that the parent film 10 be punched out to form a teararea 24 a. The parent film is then sealed around the perimeter of thepunched out tear area 24 a and a tear notch 24 is added, as seen in FIG.40. These steps are preferably performed before the attachment of thezipper assembly 20 and zipper skirt(s) 16. Following this, the zipperassembly 20 is positioned and bonded to the outside surfaces 35 b, 36 b,of the parent film 10, and over the fold 11. Alternately, the parentfilm 10 may be sealed around the perimeter to include the sealedperimeter of the punched out tear area 24 a so that after the punchingstep which forms tear area 24 a, the sealed perimeter remains. The tearnotch 24 provides a starting point for removing the fold structure 11,which is surrounded by the zipper assembly 20 and attached zipper skirt16. Further, at least one piece of tear tape 120, located between thefront side 35 and back side 36 of the parent film 10 on film surfaces 35a, 36 a, of a predetermined size may be bonded or sealed to the parentfilm 10 at the fold 11. The tear tape 120 is located adjacent,preferably just above, a tear line 132 (area of structural weakness).This tear line 132 has the predetermined propensity to tear in apredetermined way. The tear tape material 120 adjacent the tear line 132facilitates tearing off the fold structure 11 from the bag 100. Theaforementioned tear notch 24 facilitated initiation of the tear.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 41 and 41a, the skirt(s) 16 remain intact sothat the zipper assembly 20 is kept continuous for ease of handling.Once positioned over the punched fold structure 11, the skirt(s) 16 ofthe zipper assembly 20 is bonded to the outside surfaces 35 b, 36 b ofthe parent film 10 at seal location(s) 40 c, 40 d. Next, sides 30 and 32are sealed, along margin 10 c illustrated in FIG. 40, using a knownmechanism such as a heatsealing bar of a form fill and seal machine (asdescribed earlier in the present application) by advancing the film 10to the heat sealing bar portion of the machine to be used.

[0124] It will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the artafter reading this disclosure that the present alternate embodimentshown in FIGS. 40, 40a, and 41, 41 a may be manufactured using themethodology previously disclosed herein with the necessarymodifications, which this specification makes apparent to a person ofskill in the art.

[0125] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described.

What is claimed:
 1. A reclosable bag for filling with at least one foodproduct, said reclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of webmaterial including at least two areas of structural weakness, having atleast one fold structure located between and defined by said two areasof structural weakness, and an opening located generally opposite saidfold structure; a reclosable fastener structure including a skirtstructure of skirt web material extending therefrom; said skirtstructure including a distal margin; said distal margin being coupled tosaid web material at, at least one location between said areas ofstructural weakness and said opening; said reclosable fastener structureextending past said areas of structural weakness and into said foldstructure; said reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least onefood product through said opening.
 2. The reclosable bag of claim 1wherein the skirt web material is integral to the reclosable fastenerstructure.
 3. The reclosable bag of claim 1 wherein the skirt webmaterial is coupled to the reclosable fastener structure.
 4. Thereclosable bag of claim 1 wherein the integral skirt includes an outsidesurface and an inside surface; the distal margin being located on theoutside surface; the inside surface including predetermined area havinga releasable adhesive material thereon; whereby a peelable seal may beformed.
 5. The reclosable bag of claim 4 wherein the peelable seal, whenformed, is hermetic.
 6. The reclosable bag of claim 1 wherein said webmaterial of said reclosable bag is substantially comprised of a sheet ofa parent film material having predetermined dimensions.
 7. The parentfilm material of claim 6 wherein the areas of structural weakness areintegral to said parent film.
 8. The reclosable bag of claim 1 whereinsaid areas of structural weakness extend linearly across a predetermineddimension of said sheet of web material.
 9. The reclosable bag of claim8 wherein the predetermined dimension is width.
 10. The reclosable bagof claim 8 wherein the predetermined dimension is length.
 11. Thereclosable bag of claim 1 wherein said areas of structural weaknessextend nonlinearly across a predetermined dimension of said sheet ofsaid web material.
 12. The reclosable bag of claim 11 wherein thepredetermined dimension is width.
 13. The reclosable bag of claim 11wherein the predetermined dimension is length.
 14. The reclosable bag ofclaim 1 wherein said areas of structural weakness extend across apredetermined dimension of said sheet of web material in a predeterminedpattern.
 15. The reclosable bag of claim 1 wherein said areas ofstructural weakness comprise perforations.
 16. The reclosable bag ofclaim 1 wherein said areas of structural weakness comprise scoring. 17.The reclosable bag of claim 1 wherein said areas of structural weaknesscomprise microperforations.
 18. The reclosable bag of claim 1 whereinsaid sheet of web material is comprised of a multiple laminate film. 19.The reclosable bag of claim 18 wherein said multiple laminate filmincludes at least one layer of material comprising a tear path.
 20. Thereclosable bag of claim 19 wherein said tear path is hermetic.
 21. Areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product, saidreclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of web material includinga first area of structural weakness and a second area of structuralweakness; said sheet of web material including at least one foldstructure located between and defined by said first and second areas ofstructural weakness, and a fill opening; said sheet of web materialincluding a first panel coupled to said fold structure adjacent saidfirst area of structural weakness and a second panel coupled to saidfold structure adjacent said second area of structural weakness; areclosable fastener structure including a male track structure and afemale track structure; said male track structure including a first finstructure of web material extending therefrom and said female trackstructure including a second fin structure of web material extendingtherefrom; each said fin structure including a predetermined couplingportion; said coupling portion of said first fin structure being coupledto said first panel and said coupling portion of said second finstructure being coupled to said second panel; said reclosable fastenerstructure extending past said areas of structural weakness and into saidfold structure; said areas of structural weakness being located belowsaid reclosable fastener structure; said reclosable bag capable of beingfilled with at least one food product through said fill opening.
 22. Thereclosable bag of claim 21 wherein said areas of structural weakness arehermetic.
 23. The reclosable bag of claim 21 wherein said fill openingis located generally opposite said fold structure.
 24. The reclosablebag of claim 21 wherein said first fin structure is larger than saidsecond fin structure.
 25. The reclosable bag of claim 21 wherein saidfirst fin structure and said second fin structure each include a distalmargin; said distal margins facing each other and at least one distalmargin being coated with a releasable adhesive material.
 26. Thereclosable bag of claim 25 wherein said distal margins are releasablycoupled to each other by said releasable adhesive material.
 27. Thereclosable bag of claim 25 wherein at least one said distal margin iscoated with said releasable adhesive material and said distal margin iscoupled to a predetermined portion of said web material.
 28. Thereclosable bag of claim 21 wherein said first fin structure and saidsecond fin structure are integral to each other and include apredetermined area of structural weakness located between said couplingportion of said first fin structure and said coupling portion of saidsecond fin structure.
 29. A reclosable bag for filling with at least onefood product, said reclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of webmaterial, at least one tear tape structure, at least one fold structure,and an opening located generally opposite said fold structure; areclosable fastener structure including at least one integral skirtstructure of skirt web material extending therefrom; said integral skirtstructure including at least one distal margin; said distal margin beingcoupled to said web material at, at least one location between said teartape structure and said opening; said reclosable fastener structureextending past said tear tape structure and into said fold structure;said reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one foodproduct.
 30. A reclosable bag for filling with at least one foodproduct, said reclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of webmaterial having at least one fold structure presenting at least twosidewall structures having inside surfaces, and an opening locatedgenerally opposite said fold structure; a reclosable fastener structureincluding an integral skirt structure comprising a web materialextending therefrom and including opposed distal margin structures; saidweb material of said integral skirt structure being sealed to saidinside surfaces at a plurality of predetermined sealing areas; a barrierweb material extending between and coupled to said distal marginstructures.
 31. The reclosable bag of claim 30 wherein said barrier webmaterial extends between and is coupled to said sidewall structures. 32.The reclosable bag of claim 31 wherein said barrier web material iscoupled to at least one of said sidewall structures by at least onepeelable seal.
 33. The reclosable bag of claim 30 wherein saidpredetermined sealing areas are located on said respective sidewallstructures.
 34. The reclosable bag of claim 30 wherein said barrier webmaterial is coupled to said predetermined sealing areas by at least onepeelable seal.
 35. The reclosable bag of claim 30 wherein said barrierweb material includes at least one area of structural weakness extendinggenerally parallel to said predetermined sealing areas.
 36. Thereclosable bag of claim 31 wherein said barrier web material includes atleast one area of structural weakness extending generally parallel tosaid predetermined sealing areas.
 37. A reclosable bag for filling withat least one food product, said reclosable bag comprising: at least onesheet of web material including at least one predetermined tear area, atleast one fold structure, and an opening located generally opposite saidfold structure; a reclosable fastener structure including at least oneintegral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom; saidintegral skirt structure including at least one distal margin; saiddistal margin being coupled to said web material at, at least onelocation between said tear area and said opening; said reclosablefastener structure extending past said tear area and into said foldstructure; said reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least onefood product.
 38. The reclosable bag of claim 37 further including atleast one header material located in a predetermined area of said foldstructure.
 39. The reclosable bag of claim 38 wherein said headermaterial includes at least one edge structure adjacent said tear area.40. The reclosable bag of claim 37 further including at least one teartape structure coupled to said web material and adjacent to said teararea.
 41. A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product,said reclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of web materialhaving a propensity to tear along at last two predetermined tear areas;having at least one fold structure located between and defined by saidtwo tear areas, and an opening located generally opposite said foldstructure; a reclosable fastener structure including a skirt structureof skirt web material extending therefrom; said skirt structureincluding a distal margin; said distal margin being coupled to said webmaterial at, at least one location between said two tear areas and saidopening; said reclosable fastener structure extending past said two tearareas and into said fold structure; said reclosable bag capable of beingfilled with at least one food product through said opening.
 42. Thereclosable bag of claim 41 wherein the skirt web material is integral tothe reclosable fastener structure.
 43. The reclosable bag of claim 41wherein the skirt web material is coupled to the reclosable fastenerstructure.
 44. The reclosable bag of claim 41 wherein the integral skirtincludes an outside surface and an inside surface; the distal marginbeing located on the outside surface; the inside surface includingpredetermined area having a releasable adhesive material thereon;whereby a peelable seal may be formed.
 45. The reclosable bag of claim41 wherein the peelable seal, when formed, is hermetic.
 46. Thereclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said web material of said reclosablebag is substantially comprised of a sheet of a parent film materialhaving predetermined dimensions.
 47. The parent film material of claim46 wherein the tear areas are integral to said parent film.
 48. Thereclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said tear areas extend linearlyacross a predetermined dimension of said sheet of web material.
 49. Thereclosable bag of claim 48 wherein the predetermined dimension is width.50. The reclosable bag of claim 48 wherein the predetermined dimensionis length.
 51. The reclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said tear areasextend nonlinearly across a predetermined dimension of said sheet ofsaid web material.
 52. The reclosable bag of claim 51 wherein thepredetermined dimension is width.
 53. The reclosable bag of claim 51wherein the predetermined dimension is length.
 54. The reclosable bag ofclaim 41 wherein said tear areas extend across a predetermined dimensionof said sheet of web material in a predetermined pattern.
 55. Thereclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said tear areas compriseperforations.
 56. The reclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said tear areascomprise scoring.
 57. The reclosable bag of claim 41 wherein said tearareas comprise microperforations.
 58. The reclosable bag of claim 41wherein said sheet of web material is comprised of a multiple laminatefilm.
 59. The reclosable bag of claim 58 wherein at least one layer ofsaid multiple laminate film material includes said tear areas.
 60. Thereclosable bag of claim 59 wherein said tear areas are hermetic.
 61. Areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product, saidreclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of web material having atleast one fold structure located between at least two predeterminedareas having a propensity to tear in a predetermined direction andpresenting at least two sidewall structures having inside surfaces, andan opening located generally opposite said fold structure; a reclosablefastener structure, located in said fold structure, including a skirtstructure comprising a web material extending therefrom and includingopposed distal margin structures; said web material of said integralskirt structure being sealed to said inside surfaces at a plurality ofpredetermined sealing areas.
 62. The reclosable bag of claim 61 furthercomprising a barrier web material extending between and coupled to saiddistal margin structures.
 63. A method of manufacturing a reclosable bagfor filling with at least one food product, said reclosable bagcomprising: at least one sheet of web material including a first area ofstructural weakness and a second area of structural weakness; said sheetof web material including at least one fold structure located betweenand defined by said first and second areas of structural weakness, and afill opening; said sheet of web material including a first panel coupledto said fold structure adjacent said first area of structural weaknessand a second panel coupled to said fold structure adjacent said secondarea of structural weakness; a reclosable fastener structure including amale track structure and a female track structure; said male trackstructure including a first fin structure of web material extendingtherefrom and said female track structure including a second finstructure of web material extending therefrom; each said fin structureincluding a predetermined coupling portion; said coupling portion ofsaid first fin structure being coupled to said first panel and saidcoupling portion of said second fin structure being coupled to saidsecond panel; said reclosable fastener structure extending past saidareas of structural weakness and into said fold structure; said areas ofstructural weakness being located below said reclosable fastenerstructure; said reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least onefood product through said fill opening, said method comprising: foldingsaid sheet of web material along a predetermined folding area locatedbetween said areas of structural weakness to form said fold structure;inserting said reclosable fastener into said fold structure; couplingsaid distal margin of said integral skirt structure to said webmaterial; sealing said web material along at least two predeterminedlinear areas located generally perpendicular to said fold structure;filling said reclosable bag with at least one food product through saidopening; and sealing said opening.
 64. The method of claim 63 whereinthe step of sealing said web material along at least two predeterminedlinear areas occurs last.
 65. The method of claim 63 wherein the firststep is coupling at least one predetermined portion of said distalmargin of said integral skirt structure to at least one predeterminedportion of said web material prior to folding said sheet of webmaterial.
 66. The method of claim 63 including the further step ofinserting and sealing a header material into said predetermined foldarea at least prior to the step of sealing said web material along atleast said two predetermined linear areas.
 67. The method of claim 63including the further step of inserting and sealing at least one tearstructure into said predetermined fold area at least prior to the stepof sealing said web material along at least said two predeterminedlinear areas.
 68. The method of claim 63 including the further step ofsealing a predetermined portion of said fold structure and forming aheader structure; said further step being subsequent to said step offolding said sheet of web material along a predetermined folding arealocated between said areas of structural weakness to form said foldstructure.
 69. A method of manufacturing a reclosable bag for fillingwith at least one food product, said reclosable bag including at leastone sheet of web material having at least one predetermined tear area,at least one fold structure, and an opening located generally oppositesaid fold structure; a reclosable fastener assembly including at leastone integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom;said integral skirt structure including at least one distal margin; saiddistal margin being coupled to said web material at, at least onelocation between said tear area and said opening; said reclosablefastener structure extending past said tear area and into said foldstructure; said reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least onefood product, said method comprising: folding said sheet of web materialalong a predetermined folding area to produce said fold structure;inserting said reclosable fastener assembly into said fold structure;coupling said distal margin of said integral skirt structure to said webmaterial; sealing said web material along at least two predeterminedlinear areas located generally perpendicular to said fold structure;filling said reclosable bag with at least one food product through saidopening; and sealing said opening.
 70. The method of claim 69 whereinthe step of sealing said web material along at least two predeterminedlinear areas occurs last.
 71. The method of claim 69 wherein the firststep is coupling at least one predetermined portion of said distalmargin of said integral skirt structure to at least one predeterminedportion of said web material prior to folding said sheet of webmaterial.
 72. The method of claim 69 including the further step ofinserting and sealing a header material into said predetermined foldarea at least prior to the step of sealing said web material along atleast said two predetermined linear areas.
 73. The method of claim 69including the further step of inserting and sealing at least one tearstructure into said predetermined fold area at least prior to the stepof sealing said web material along at least said two predeterminedlinear areas.
 74. The method of claim 69 including the further step ofsealing a predetermined portion of said fold structure and forming aheader structure; said further step being subsequent to said step offolding said sheet of web material along a predetermined folding arealocated between said areas of structural weakness to form said foldstructure.
 75. A reclosable bag for filling with at least one foodproduct, said reclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of webmaterial including at least two areas of structural weakness, having atleast one fold structure located between and defined by said two areasof structural weakness, and an opening located generally opposite saidfold structure; a reclosable fastener structure including a skirtstructure of skirt web material extending therefrom; said skirtstructure including a distal margin; said distal margin being coupled tosaid web material at, at least one location between said areas ofstructural weakness and said opening; said reclosable fastener structureextending past said areas of structural weakness; said reclosable bagcapable of being filled with at least one food product through saidopening.
 76. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein said reclosablefastener structure extends over said fold structure.
 77. The reclosablebag of claim 75 wherein the skirt web material is integral to thereclosable fastener structure.
 78. The reclosable bag of claim 75wherein the skirt web material is coupled to the reclosable fastenerstructure.
 79. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein the web materialincludes an outside surface and an inside surface; the inside surfaceincluding a predetermined area having a releasable adhesive materialthereon; whereby a peelable seal may be formed.
 80. The reclosable bagof claim 79 wherein the peelable seal, when formed, is hermetic.
 81. Thereclosable bag of claim 75 wherein said web material of said reclosablebag is substantially comprised of a sheet of a parent film materialhaving predetermined dimensions.
 82. The parent film material of claim81 wherein the areas of structural weakness are integral to said parentfilm.
 83. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein said areas ofstructural weakness extend linearly across a predetermined dimension ofsaid sheet of web material.
 84. The reclosable bag of claim 83 whereinthe predetermined dimension is width.
 85. The reclosable bag of claim 83wherein the predetermined dimension is length.
 86. The reclosable bag ofclaim 75 wherein said areas of structural weakness extend nonlinearlyacross a predetermined dimension of said sheet of said web material. 87.The reclosable bag of claim 86 wherein the predetermined dimension iswidth.
 88. The reclosable bag of claim 86 wherein the predetermineddimension is length.
 89. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein saidareas of structural weakness extend across a predetermined dimension ofsaid sheet of web material in a predetermined pattern.
 90. Thereclosable bag of claim 75 wherein said areas of structural weaknesscomprise perforations.
 91. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein saidareas of structural weakness comprise scoring.
 92. The reclosable bag ofclaim 75 wherein said areas of structural weakness comprisemicroperforations.
 93. The reclosable bag of claim 75 wherein said sheetof web material is comprised of a multiple laminate film.
 94. Thereclosable bag of claim 93 wherein said multiple laminate film includesat least one layer of material comprising a tear path.
 95. Thereclosable bag of claim 94 wherein said tear path is hermetic.
 96. Areclosable bag for filling with at least one food product, saidreclosable bag comprising: at least one sheet of web material includingat least two areas of structural weakness, having at least one foldstructure located between and defined by said two areas of structuralweakness, and an opening located generally opposite said fold structure;a reclosable fastener structure including a skirt structure of skirt webmaterial extending therefrom; said skirt structure including a distalmargin; said distal margin being coupled to said web material at, atleast one location between said areas of structural weakness and saidopening; said reclosable fastener structure extending past said areas ofstructural weakness and over said fold structure; said reclosable bagcapable of being filled with at least one food product through saidopening.
 97. The reclosable bag of claim 96 wherein the skirt webmaterial is integral to the reclosable fastener structure.
 98. Thereclosable bag of claim 96 wherein the skirt web material is coupled tothe reclosable fastener structure.
 99. The reclosable bag of claim 96wherein the web material includes an outside surface and an insidesurface; the inside surface including a predetermined area having areleasable adhesive material thereon; whereby a peelable seal may beformed.
 100. The reclosable bag of claim 99 wherein the peelable seal,when formed, is hermetic.
 101. The reclosable bag of claim 96 whereinsaid web material of said reclosable bag is substantially comprised of asheet of a parent film material having predetermined dimensions. 102.The parent film material of claim 101 wherein the areas of structuralweakness are integral to said parent film.
 103. The reclosable bag ofclaim 96 wherein said areas of structural weakness extend linearlyacross a predetermined dimension of said sheet of web material.
 104. Thereclosable bag of claim 103 wherein the predetermined dimension iswidth.
 105. The reclosable bag of claim 103 wherein the predetermineddimension is length.
 106. The reclosable bag of claim 96 wherein saidareas of structural weakness extend nonlinearly across a predetermineddimension of said sheet of said web material.
 107. The reclosable bag ofclaim 106 wherein the predetermined dimension is width.
 108. Thereclosable bag of claim 106 wherein the predetermined dimension islength.
 109. The reclosable bag of claim 96 wherein said areas ofstructural weakness extend across a predetermined dimension of saidsheet of web material in a predetermined pattern.
 110. The reclosablebag of claim 96 wherein said areas of structural weakness compriseperforations.
 111. The reclosable bag of claim 96 wherein said areas ofstructural weakness comprise scoring.
 112. The reclosable bag of claim96 wherein said areas of structural weakness comprise microperforations.113. The reclosable bag of claim 96 wherein said sheet of web materialis comprised of a multiple laminate film.
 114. The reclosable bag ofclaim 113 wherein said multiple laminate film includes at least onelayer of material comprising a tear path.
 115. The reclosable bag ofclaim 114 wherein said tear path is hermetic.
 116. A reclosable bag forfilling with at least one food product, said reclosable bag comprising:at least one sheet of web material, at least one tear tape structure, atleast one fold structure, and an opening located generally opposite saidfold structure; a reclosable fastener structure including at least oneintegral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom; saidintegral skirt structure including at least one distal margin; saiddistal margin being coupled to said web material at, at least onelocation between said tear tape structure and said opening; saidreclosable fastener structure extending past said tear tape structureand over said fold structure; said reclosable bag capable of beingfilled with at least one food product.
 117. A reclosable bag for fillingwith at least one food product, said reclosable bag comprising: at leastone sheet of web material including at least one predetermined teararea, at least one fold structure, and an opening located generallyopposite said fold structure; a reclosable fastener structure includingat least one integral skirt structure of skirt web material extendingtherefrom; said integral skirt structure including at least one distalmargin; said distal margin being coupled to said web material at, atleast one location between said tear area and said opening; saidreclosable fastener structure extending past said tear area and oversaid fold structure; said reclosable bag capable of being filled with atleast one food product.